Protecting local waterways from pollutants has been a goal of the City of Golden Valley for decades. Residents can help by cleaning up after themselves and their pets when spending time outdoors.
Yard Waste
When leaves and grass clippings fall on grass and soil, they decompose and restock the soil with nutrients and organic matter. But when leaves and grass get blown or dumped on a street or sidewalk, they wash down into the storm drain and then directly into streams, rivers, and lakes, where the nutrients feed unwanted algae. This algae is a problem because when it dies and decomposes at the bottom of the lake, it uses up oxygen that fish and native plants need to survive.
Residents should always properly dispose of yard waste through one of the City’s preferred methods, like the annual Leaf Drop-Off and Brush Pick-Up programs, backyard composting, or signing up for curbside yard waste service through your trash provider.
Pet Waste
Picking up after pets in public places is a courtesy to the community in more ways than one.
Pet waste contains bacteria, such as E. Coli, that can cause illness in people, pets, and wildlife. When it’s not picked up, rain can wash it into streams, rivers, and lakes. Similar to yard waste, pet waste also contains nutrients that cause destructive algae blooms in lakes and streams and can make waterways unsafe for recreation.
Section 6-3 of the Golden Valley City Code prohibits anyone from allowing an animal to defecate on public or private property without immediately removing it and discarding it in a sanitary manner. Property owners should clean up pet waste each spring and periodically thereafter.